I recently was lucky enough to spend a week at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center with a biologist friend. This research plantation, also known as Ichauway, is located in south Georgia where it protects over 30,000 acres of the longleaf pine and wire grass eco-system which is one of the most endangered systems in the world.  

 Ichauway is a magical place. Visiting here is like traveling back in time before our native lands were developed, back when the wildlife ran the show, and the mighty rivers flowed untouched. 

During my stay when I wasn't walking miles in the stifling heat, taking pictures, piddling my mandolin on the porch or floating the Flint River I was drawing. Very few places have inspired me so much and 3 of the designs from Sipsey Wilder's new line of versatile 4-in-1 hip bags were created on this week long trip.

Spanish Moss draping off of the live oak trees.

A gopher tortoise making his way through the wiregrass.

Cypress trees on the Flint River.

 An Eastern Kingsnake crosses the road.

A breathtaking Ichauway sunset. 

 A beam of morning sunlight near the Ichauway-Nochaway Creek.

My dog Chloe.